Chronic Stress and Drug Use: What’s the Connection

Everybody deals with stress – whether from work, school, or life in general. Stress affects people in different ways. For 53% of Americans, stress is a leading factor that impacts their mental health. Stress, in this case, encompasses a range of emotional and mental strain. It can include short-term stress or the more worrisome chronic stress. 

Chronic stress unfortunately isn’t something that just goes away—it can stick around, affecting your emotions, body, and behavior. For many, the ongoing pressure can lead to harmful coping mechanisms, including drug use. 

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the connection between chronic stress and drug use, explaining how they can become dangerously intertwined.

What is Chronic Stress?

Before we delve deeper into the connection between chronic stress and drug use, let’s first have a close look at what chronic stress is. By definition, chronic stress is the constant feeling of stress that persists over an extended period. It could last for weeks or even months. Essentially, it results from repeated exposure to certain stressors.

Chronic stress could easily overwhelm and even impair someone. This could manifest in various physical and psychological signs and symptoms including:

• Headaches
• Digestive problems
• Fatigue and Muscle Pain
• High Blood Pressure
• Weakened Immune System
• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of helplessness and loss of control
• Disorganized thoughts
• Irritability

What is the Relationship Between Chronic Stress and Drug Use?

Chronic stress occurs when the body’s stress response is activated for extended periods, leading to a constant state of tension. Over time, this can affect both mental and physical health, increasing the risk of developing anxiety, depression, and other issues. 

Can Chronic Stress Lead to Drug Use?

The short answer is yes. Chronic stress can disrupt one’s neurotransmitters subsequently affecting mood regulation which can lead to anxiety and other mental health issues. Research and various case studies have established that having mental health conditions makes people more at risk of substance use.

Chronic stress affects one’s physical and psychological well-being. It can cause fatigue, loss of sleep, and even feelings of helplessness. Unfortunately, when faced with the effects of chronic stress, some people turn to drugs or misuse prescription medications to cope and feel better.

Can Drug Use Cause Stress?

Chronic stress and drug use or SUDs have a complex two-way relationship. The moment one starts using drugs as a way to cope with stress, it could easily spiral into an SUD. Substance use can have a barrage of negative consequences – from job loss to financial problems to strained relationships. Dealing with the consequences can only cause further stress. 

The relationship between chronic stress and drug use can then becomes cyclical. Unfortunately, this cycle can be very difficult to break, especially without professional help.

How to Manage Stress?

While stress is a natural response to life’s challenges, chronic stress can have serious consequences if not addressed properly. 

Here are some effective strategies for managing stress to help you build resilience and regain control: 

• Stay Active and Healthy. Commit to a healthier lifestyle through a nutrient-packed diet and physical activity. Getting active can increase your energy, boost your concentration levels, and increase positive emotions – all while decreasing your stress hormones. 

• Improve Sleep Quality. A sufficient, restful sleep has a multitude of benefits including a clearer mind and a more positive attitude. A good night’s sleep also allows your brain to unload most of the day’s activities during the various stages of sleep. Improving your sleep quality can therefore help you to manage stress better.

• Stop Overtaxing Yourself. Most of the time, the stress you feel is due to the situations you put yourself in and the things or tasks that you take on yourself. It can help to re-evaluate all of your commitments and try to cut back on the less essential obligations. 

• Try to Stay Positive. Strive to remain positive even in difficult situations. It’s certainly easier said than done, but a positive outlook can make stress seem more manageable. Shift your perspective – turn problems into opportunities to learn or improve, and try not to dwell too much on things beyond your control.

• Build Your Support Network. When you start having a tough time dealing with your stressors, reach out to your trusted loved ones. As much as possible, do not isolate yourself. Build a strong support network of people who will always remind you that you don’t have to face things by yourself.

• Seek Professional Help. If stress becomes too overwhelming even after trying all of your healthy coping strategies, don’t hesitate to seek additional help. You can consult with a licensed mental health professional and go from there.

FAQ

Can stress cause relapse?

Yes, stress is a known relapse risk factor. It can make you more vulnerable to negative emotions and impair your decision-making abilities. Stress can also weaken your ability to resist cravings and lead you to isolate yourself from your support system.

Why do people use drugs?

People use drugs for various reasons, including seeking relief from stress, emotional pain, or mental health issues. Some may use them out of curiosity, peer pressure, or to cope with difficult life situations, while others may develop addiction over time.

What is a co-occurring disorder?

A co-occurring disorder refers to the presence of both a mental health condition and a Substance Use Disorder in an individual. These disorders often interact, making treatment more complex and requiring an integrated approach to address both simultaneously.

Manage Stress and Overcome SUDs at Positive Sobriety

If you are dealing with overwhelming stress and other mental health issues while trying to overcome Substance Use Disorder, Positive Sobriety Institute can be your partner in your recovery journey.

At Positive Sobriety Institute, we understand the complex interplay between chronic stress, mental health disorders, and substance use disorders. Due to their connections, we treat them simultaneously to better ensure recovery from co-occurring disorders. Our team of licensed experts in Chicago will conduct a thorough assessment and come up with a personalized dual-diagnosis treatment plan for you. 

Put a stop to the cycle of chronic stress and drug use, book a free consultation today!